Bankruptcy Attorney in Bay County, FL
Quick Summary
The Challenge: Overwhelming debt and the stress of navigating the Northern District of Florida’s bankruptcy procedures alone.
Chapter 7: Offers the fastest path to relief (4–6 months) by discharging most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills), with Florida exemptions helping clients keep their primary assets.
Chapter 13: Provides a structured 3–5 year repayment plan, which is ideal for clients with steady income who need to protect valuable property (like a home) while catching up on debt.
The Process: Filing any chapter immediately triggers the automatic stay, a crucial protection that instantly halts creditor harassment, lawsuits, foreclosure proceedings, and wage garnishments.
Bottom Line: Stiberman Law offers professional guidance and over a decade of experience to simplify the process, helping Bay County residents find financial freedom and a fresh start.
Helping residents find financial freedom.
Written By: Attorney Robert Stiberman | Updated 9/23/2025
The Role of a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Bay County
Dealing with overwhelming debt is stressful, and navigating the legal system alone can make it worse. A bankruptcy lawyer ensures you understand your options and protects your rights throughout the process. With professional guidance, you can determine whether bankruptcy is the right step and how it can safeguard your income, property, and future.
At Stiberman Law, we’ve spent over a decade assisting Floridians—including Bay County residents—through bankruptcy and debt relief. Our focus is on simplifying the process, explaining every step clearly, and providing support so you can start again with confidence.
What Filing Bankruptcy Looks Like in Bay County
Cases here are handled by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. While federal laws apply, each district has its own procedures that can feel intimidating if you attempt to file without legal representation.
Our process begins with a free consultation to evaluate your financial situation. We then help you decide whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11 is the best fit. Once your case is filed, the automatic stay stops creditors from pursuing collection actions, including foreclosure and wage garnishments. You’ll attend a brief trustee meeting with one of our attorneys by your side before reaching resolution through either debt discharge or a repayment plan.
Case Study: A Client’s Fresh Start
A client burdened by more than $40,000 in credit card debt was able to wipe the slate clean through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Within a matter of months, they received a discharge and regained control of their finances.
STEP 1
Free Consultation
We begin with a free consultation to review your debts, assets, and financial situation. This helps determine whether bankruptcy is the right solution for you.
STEP 2
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for Chapter 7 (debt discharge through liquidation), Chapter 13 (structured repayment plan), or Chapter 11 (reorganization, often used by businesses or individuals with significant debt). We’ll explain the differences and recommend the best option for your needs.
STEP 3
Our team helps you gather financial documents and prepares all the required forms. We file your case electronically with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, which covers Winter Haven.
STEP 4
Once your case is filed, an automatic stay immediately stops most collection actions, lawsuits, and wage garnishments.
STEP 5
You’ll attend a brief meeting with a court-appointed trustee. An attorney from Stiberman Law will be by your side to make sure you’re prepared and supported.
STEP 6
If you file Chapter 7, eligible debts are discharged in as little as four to six months. If you file Chapter 13, you’ll enter into a three- to five-year repayment plan before remaining eligible debts are wiped out. If you file Chapter 11 as a business, you’ll propose a reorganization plan that restructures obligations while allowing you to remain operational.
Do I Have A Case?
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Contact Stiberman Law Today!
Speaking to our law firm is always 100% confidental. Help is just a call away!
At Stiberman Law, Our Goal Is To Help You Complete The Process Smoothly, Protect Your Property When Possible, And Achieve The Financial Relief You Need For A Fresh Start.
Comparing Bankruptcy Chapters
Chapter 7, often called “liquidation bankruptcy,” discharges unsecured debts such as credit cards and medical bills. Florida’s exemption laws often allow clients to keep their primary assets.
Chapter 13 is designed for people with regular income who want to restructure debts and protect property. Repayment plans last three to five years, after which remaining eligible debts are discharged.
Chapter 11 is typically for businesses but can also benefit individuals with substantial debt, allowing them to reorganize obligations without shutting down operations.
Bankruptcy Services Offered in Bay County
Our firm helps with every major type of bankruptcy as well as related debt solutions, including:
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 bankruptcy to quickly erase unsecured debts
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 bankruptcy to set up structured repayment plans while protecting assets
Chapter 11
Chapter 11 bankruptcy to reorganize personal or business debts
Foreclosure
Representation
– Your experienced bankruptcy attorney
Lern More About Our Founding Attorney
Here’s a 5-star review from our client:
If you are looking for a great bankruptcy attorney in Palm Beach County Stiberman Law are the ones to go with! They were friendly, professional, and very attentive. All my calls were always returned in a timely fashion and all my questions were always answered. They have truly made this process easy and not scary. They take the time to walk you through everything.
DANIELA CHACON
Robert Stiberman
Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy in Bay County
What debts can bankruptcy eliminate?
Can filing bankruptcy stop foreclosure or garnishments?
How long does the bankruptcy process take?
Do I need a certain amount of debt to qualify for bankruptcy?
Start Your Path Toward Debt Relief
Bankruptcy offers a legal way to regain control of your finances and stop creditor actions. Contact Stiberman Law today to schedule a free consultation and begin working toward a stronger financial future.
Our dedicated team at Stiberman Law is ready to serve clients in Bay County cities.